Nah, I'd say don't get it. It doesn't sound like you are right for the car. You really should check out the Solstice or the Sky. They sound a lot more up your alley.

 

I don't think you would enjoy the car as much if you didn't push it every once in a while. Miata sounds more like your speed to be honest.

 

For your situation the cost sounds like almost a non-issue. You are asking about comfort, cabin noise etc. I am currently trading my 02 Boxster for an 06 S2000. Every time I drive the two cars I am amazed how different the S2000 is from both the MX-5 and Boxster. I owned a 2000 Miata before my Boxster so I have experience in all three cars. The S2000 is much smaller and rougher than my Boxster and even the Miata I had before.

Comparo: Miata S2000 Boxster
power: + ++ ++
handling: ++ +++ ++++
comfort: ++ + +++
$ value: +++ ++ +

The Boxster is definitely the best of the three cars(as it should be for its cost). It is downright roomy compared to the cramped S2000 cockpit and has a very compliant ride while retaining excellent track capabilities(and my Boxster doesn't even have the sport suspension or PSM). It also has the added benefit of two trunks if you are travelling

From your comments I would recommend back to back drives in the MX-5 and S2000. The Miata is certainly roomier(as least in width) and has a more compliant ride. It still does well at the track while being a better cruising car than the S2000(IMO). I think the MX-5 is your car unless you would consider a used Boxster(which would be the ultimate from your comments).

 

The same lease payment was what made me think I'd be nuts not to go for the S2000. To me it's a much more serious car with better seats, more solid body and chasis and a much more buttoned up feel. It reminds me of my buddy's M3 in terms of that "raw" feeling. I really do like the engine sound as well. Since it won't be an everyday driver for me, I think it would be quite livable for weekend fun.
The Miata was a blast to drive and very easy to toss around but I must say that there was something intoxicating about the S2K. It really feels like a much more expensive car to me. Hard to describe but in a way it gave me the same thrill as driving a viper at a Skip Barber school recently. I know that the similarity is not at all there in these 2 cars but the satisfaction was similar.
Maybe I've been biten by the S2K bug!
Are the tires OK in cool weather or once you get below 40 are they rocks with no grip?

 

Hey, there are a lot of folks around here who drive their Ss moderately. The amazing thing is that when you take this car to the track, it's a whole new beast.

One of the great things about the S is you can just drive it as a daily driver, or you can can rip it around the track.

Do NOT drive the S in colder temps with the stock tires. OK, if you're just tooling around it's fine, but the tires have very little grip when the mercury drops. Get winter tires if you're going to spend time in cold climates (I just swapped off my winter tires last week here in New England).

 

I looked very closely at both the Miata (Grand Touring version) and S2k, and frankly would have been very happy with either. I spend a fair amount of time driving the S2k in a Miata-like fashion, cruising and tossing about at low speed.

But it's nice to have that high end on tap for when I want to set my hair on fire, and that was worth the additional cost over the Miata. Plus I preferred the interior space, finish, and ergonomics of the S2k, though I think the Miata has the best soft top design currently in existence.

You can't go wrong with either car -- drive both and get the one that fits you best.

 

^ Nicely put. Another consideration is that there's about ten times as many Miatas on the road as S2000s. So, you get a small measure of exclusivity with the S that you don't get with the Miata.

 

Yes, I like the exclusivity factor and I really prefer the looks of the S to the Miata. To me the miata has only a few "advantages". I do prefer their gages although that's no big deal to me. I also think that the top design is better and that you don't have to manually put on the tonneau cover to give it a finished look. (do most of you guys even use the cover or do you just leave it off so that you can quickly move to top up or down?)
To me build quality seems better on the S along with a few touches I really like (steel pedals, starter button and that engine sound). Oh, and the seats seem much better in the S.

 

The tonneau cover is probably used 1/100ths of the time i put the top down. it really looks good without it. matter of fact, i'm liking it better without the tonneau cover.

as for everything else...i was the same way when i purchased my S. Oh, i swear i won't drive fast, i'm gonna baby it. but when u have all those revs on tap...you can't help but throw it into Vtec range every once in a while. it truly is intoxicating. its nice to drive it slowly for the most part, but do urself a favor and push it every once in a while.

Personally, the build quality of the S is awesome. ergonomics are great, you dont even have to take ur hand off the steering wheel to turn on a/c or use the stereo. the seats are very comfortable. and although the miata has that nice top design, it feels 10 times better to stop at a light and put it up with an automatic button. so you won't have to hurt your shoulder putting it up.

anyways, same price, go for the S. Unless you truly don't wanna drive fast at all...get a Solstice/Sky or Miata.

 

Exclusivity is a nice positive. What, 50k S2ks sold in the US, versus 700k Miatas?

Funny, I've had my tonneau on for 90% of my driving. I only take it off if I'm going somewhere where the car will be parked for a long time. Miata has it all over us in the top department 'cause of that.

You know, I can't answer the blind spot question. I've got over 1200 miles on the car now, and don't have a single top-up mile!